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If you’ve grown weary of the word “data” in recent years, I don’t blame you: data centers, data privacy (or lack thereof), data breaches, banal corporate jargon like “data-driven insights” — you can’t escape it.

But when data is used to tell a compelling story? That’s a different notion entirely. New demographic information from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning falls into that category, painting a clear picture of the Tri-Cities using real numbers from our communities.

Among other things, the numbers show that residents of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles are aging, high earners, mostly homeowners, becoming more diverse, and shifting quickly to remote work.

But there’s a lot more to it. Keep reading for the full snapshot.

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Summer’s in full swing. If you haven’t upgraded your sunglasses, what are you waiting for?

Fox Valley Ophthalmology's Sunglass Sale has been extended through July, giving you more time to take advantage of 20–70% off sunglasses at their St. Charles location. And that’s only part of the deal: get 50% off an additional set of prescription lenses when you buy an additional frame. (Not valid with insurance or other discounts.)

Head in and see for yourself why the folks at Fox Valley Ophthalmology are the Tri-Cities’ trusted eye care experts.

☑️ The next act: Moonlight Theatre announced that it is leaving its historic downtown St. Charles space after three years and relocating to a yet-to-be-disclosed new location.

☑️ School squeeze: With all three buildings running out of instructional space, St. Charles D303 is considering additions at Norton Creek, Corron, and Ferson Creek elementary schools as part of a project that could cost up to $21M.

☑️ Casino debuts: Aurora's new $360M Hollywood Casino opened last week, bringing with it 1,200 gaming positions, a 226-room hotel, and a $100K donation to local nonprofits as it replaces the 33-year-old riverboat casino.

☑️ New tornado alley? Illinois has already shattered its all-time yearly tornado warning record in 2026, with 280+ warnings issued statewide (including one in Kane County). Read more about a wild tornado season.

☑️ Here comes the heat: With temps in the 90s expected this week, Kane County officials are reminding residents that cooling centers are available at several locations across the area. See the full list.

☑️ News notes:

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☑️ Talkin’ to Dryden: The latest episode of "Area Code: Batavia" profiles John Dryden, the former Batavia history teacher, hot dog vendor, actor, bartender, and community garden founder — and makes the case that every healthy community needs a “rabble rouser” like him.

☑️ Unconventional learning: A year-round education program inside Kane County's Juvenile Justice Center is keeping detained youth on track academically with licensed teachers, VR career exploration, and summer enrichment courses.

☑️ Intro to local architecture: The Geneva History Museum brought back a new and improved version of its “Building Geneva” kids' exhibit where children can build, design, and explore local architecture this summer.

☑️ Roundabout coming soon: Officials are making progress on the Bunker Road Extension near the LaFox Metra station, with drone footage now showing the new roadway connection taking shape ahead of a November 2026 completion.

☑️ Last-mile transport: Pace has added VanGo rental vans to the Geneva Metra station this year, giving commuters a $5-a-day option to cover the gap between the train and their workplace.

✳️ Impeccable summer vibes: Pollyanna Brewing in St. Charles has completed phase one of an exciting patio project — with plans to replace an exterior wall with garage doors and add fire tables and shipping containers for enhanced guest seating in future phases. Watch a video preview and plan a visit.

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If you’re one of those folks who embraces this super hot weather like an old friend, check out one of this week’s outdoor performances (perhaps with an ice-cold beverage in hand).

If not, you’ve got indoor, air-conditioned options as well.

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Based right here in Batavia, the 212° Construction Group crew serves the entire Fox Valley area — with 30+ years of experience to show for it.

The key ingredient that’s powered them for three decades? Trust. They’ve earned the trust of their customers and the trust of the community by consistently offering transparency, clear communication, and some of the best craftsmanship around.

From roofing, siding, and decks to kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, they’ve built a reputation on delivering personalized renovations all over the Tri-Cities. When you start planning your next project, you know who to call.

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🔒 Concepts fall through: Plans to open two new restaurants in the vacant Little Owl and Old Towne Pub spaces on State Street in Geneva seem to have collapsed, putting both properties back on the market after months of interior work. The Daily Herald has some of the backstory.

☑️ Making a splash: Big Blue Swim School plans to open a new location at the Geneva Commons this August, bringing warm-water swim lessons for infants, kids, adaptive learners, and adults to the Tri-Cities.

☑️ Boardwalk graduate: A Rooted Home celebrated a ribbon cutting in downtown Batavia, where the shop sells candles, books, cards, and home décor in addition to hosting classes and workshops beginning this summer. See photos of the space.

✳️ Foodies' favorites: From flavorful local hot sauces to Chicago cookbooks and hot dog-themed decor and accessories, Urban Artisan in downtown Geneva has an expertly curated selection of food-lover gifts. See what’s currently in the shop.

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☑️ Tri-Cities Dinner Club: Join us on July 22 in downtown Geneva for a fun dinner outing at a great restaurant with like-minded locals followed by a surprise afterparty in the neighborhood. Plus ones are welcome!

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for the Tri-Cities area — including this $1M home on the edge of St. Charles and Campton Hills with a slick outdoor covered kitchen and a pool.

✳️ Need a trustworthy local realtor? Get in touch with Tri-Cities expert Chris Wallace at [email protected] or chriswallacere.com.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

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✳️ Summer adventures: We've rounded up eight worthwhile outdoor getaways within three hours of the Tri-Cities, with travel tips from Valor Carts for making the most of nearby camping, lake house, and state park destinations. See the full list.

☑️ 10 Years of Atlas Chicken | Mon 6/29–Fri 7/3, 1PM–3PM | Atlas Chicken Shack, Geneva | Week-long 10th anniversary celebration with face painting, balloon animals, and giveaways. 

🎟️ Abigail Adams: A Living History Portrayal | Wed 7/1, 2PM | Covenant Living at the Holmstad, Batavia | An award-winning actress portrays Abigail Adams in a living history performance. 

🎟️ Beat It: Michael Jackson Choreo Class | Wed 7/1, 6:30PM | Vargo's Dance, Geneva | One-time pop-up class with “Beat It” Michael Jackson choreography. 

🎟️ Patriotic Picnic | Fri 7/3, 12PM–2PM | The Little Traveler, Geneva | Celebrate America's 250th birthday with picnic lunch, ice cream, and live bluegrass music. 

☑️ Fox Valley Robotics Anniversary Open House | Fri 7/3, 3PM–9PM | Peck Farm Park, Geneva | Celebrate 25 years with robot demos, LEGO tables, food, and a bonfire. 

🎟️ Fourth of July Riverside Block Party | Sat 7/4, 6:30PM | The Graceful Ordinary, STC | Live music by Brent Brown, fireworks, food, and drinks downtown.

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